Heiress Unmasked: Shaking the World With Geomancy novel Chapter 2280

Though absurd, that scenario would at least help them ensure Mike's safety for the time being. As long as the Alternate Divine Power had its sight set on him, he wouldn't come to harm.

With that in mind, the group was temporarily eased with worries.

Once his matter was settled, the next topic was, of course, Velquin's sudden decision to stay behind.

At that point, all eyes, including Albany's, were fixed on the porcelain doll that Velquin was inhabiting.

Shannon broke the silence first. "You knew from the very beginning that Vlad hadn't been totally eradicated."

She continued, her voice heavy, "Not merging with Trevaris' soul, coming with them to the alternate world—was it all part of your plan to stay here, find Vlad's counterpart, and finish him?"

Though it was phrased as a question, her gaze and tone were filled with a certainty that made it clear it was more of a statement.

Velquin didn't respond, tacitly acknowledging it.

Lexie clicked her tongue and couldn't resist voicing her thoughts. "Let me say something here, Mr. Velquin. And by the way, don't mind me speaking my mind because that's just how people my age are."

She straightened slightly, looking down at the little porcelain doll on the coffee table.

"Mr. Velquin, I'm aware that you're old, and your soul has been entangled with Vlad for thousands of years, so perhaps your mindset is still stuck in the feudal era.

"However, we modern youth no longer follow the trend of being the sole hero, making grand sacrifices."

With her doll-like face, Lexie spoke earnestly as she lectured Velquin, "What modern people value is team spirit. Do you understand what that means?"

She gestured toward the row of people on the couch. "We might've come together by chance, but now that we're here, we're a team. When a team faces difficulties, we solve them.

"If we can't, we find ways to work together, rallying everyone's strength to overcome them. In Crisea, we don't emphasize individual heroism.

"Instead, we value unity, the strength of working together… You have to believe, in times of crisis, it won't just be one person stepping forward, but everyone."

As she finished, she wore a serious look, fixing her gaze on Velquin. "With all due respect, Mr. Velquin, I think you need to grow out of your old mindset."

Becoming the bearer of the ten tails didn't mean Shannon had to shoulder everything alone. Sometimes, Thalia wished her daughter would trust and lean on those around her a little more.

Being called out, Shannon suddenly realized that Lexie was also staring straight at her. Clearly, that little speech earlier had been aimed at her, too.

She wanted to explain that it wasn't like that, that in many situations, she really did trust them.

But under the unwavering gazes of Thalia and Lexie, she fell silent for a long moment before finally lowering her head obediently.

"Okay. I won't do it again."

Be it to set an example for Velquin or otherwise.

Sure enough, seeing how readily Shannon admitted fault, Velquin, still confused, unhesitatingly echoed, "I won't do it again as well."

After a brief pause, he asked…